Gillingham 1-2 West Brom

West Brom's success story continues under Megson

West Brom stayed on course to claim a place in the First Division play-offs with a vital win at the Priestfield Stadium.

Lee Hughes grabbed his 22nd goal of the season to give Albion an early lead, making the most of the mistake by defender Adrian Pennock.

Neil Clement's free-kick put the visitors 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes. Gillingham, looking to add a third successive home scalp, fought back well and in-form Iffy Onuora bagged his fifth goal in four games 10 minutes before the break.

Gillingham made a bright start, but Pennock's mistake gifted Albion the lead.

His back-header from Russell Hoult's long kick fell short of Vince Bartram and Hughes nipped in to lob home.

Impressive

Pennock was involved in the build-up to Albion's second goal. He was adjudged to have fouled Bob Taylor just outside the box and Clement struck a perfect shot past Bartram for his sixth goal of the season.

Gillingham had their moments as well. Onuora shot wide and then Hoult came to Albion's rescue with two impressive saves.

He denied Onuora again and then two minutes later palmed away an effort from Nicky Southall, with Marlon King unable to do anything with the rebound.

Four minutes later Onuora was on target to continue his recent flurry of goals. Southall's cross was flicked on by Mark Patterson and Onuora timed his run perfectly to slide the ball past Hoult.

Lively

The Baggies keeper needed lengthy treatment early in the second half after a collision with Onuora inside his six yard area.

But he was able to carry on and he and the Albion defence had to be at their best to keep Gillingham out.

West Brom had Hughes and Taylor booked in the space of six minutes. Hughes was involved in a needless tangle with Pennock, and only earned himself a yellow card, while Taylor was also cautioned for a foul, his last contribution before giving way to the lively Jason Roberts.

Roberts and Hughes linked up well but failed to add to Albion's lead. Patterson had a shot deflected for a corner, and then King twice went close.

Gillingham were again well served by skipper Paul Smith, but despite another impressive display they were unable to claim a point their second half form possibly deserved.

Gillingham: Bartram, Patterson, Hope, Southall, Nosworthy, Browning, Shaw, Pennock, Smith, Onuora, King. Subs: Ashby, Saunders, Rose, Ipoua, Browne.

West Brom: Hoult, Lyttle, Clement, Butler, Gilchrist, Sigurdsson, Fox, Sneekes, Appleton, Taylor, Hughes. Subs: Jensen, Adam Chambers, Quinn, Cummings, Roberts.

Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley).